Online Reporter
Raymond Jaravaza
A SUSPECTED poacher was busted inside Chizarira National Park with a deadly stash of cyanide, a notorious chemical killer used to wipe out elephants and rhinos for ivory.
The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) confirmed the dramatic arrest, which took place last week. The 45-year-old suspect was found carrying approximately 100 grams of cyanide along with an assortment of tools typically used by wildlife assassins.
“A 45-year-old suspected poacher was arrested in Chizarira National Park with approximately 100 grams of cyanide and other assortment of tools used in poaching. He was held in police custody, awaiting appearance in court,” said ZimParks spokesperson Mr Tinashe Farawo.
Cyanide is no stranger to Zimbabwe’s parks. In 2013, more than 80 elephants were killed after poachers poisoned a waterhole in Hwange National Park. The poison also wiped out smaller animals and predators feeding on the carcasses.
Authorities say the illicit use of chemicals in poaching is a silent but deadly trend, feeding the insatiable demand for ivory and rhino horn in Asian black markets.
That 2013 horror ended in a dramatic chase and arrest of nine poachers who were cornered after rangers tracked them to a hidden ivory stash deep within the park.
